Ingredients
Scale
The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients that balance freshness and flavor, much like the meals my mom used to make that filled our home with warmth. I always opt for quality ground beef and fresh mozzarella to keep things simple but delicious. Using homemade or store-bought pizza dough works beautifully, depending on how much time you have on hand.
- 1 pound ground beef (preferably 80/20 for juiciness)
- 1 ball of pizza dough (about 12 ounces), store-bought or homemade
- 1 cup pizza sauce, homemade or your favorite jarred variety
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup sliced pepperoni or your preferred pizza toppings
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced (optional for a veggie boost)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing and brushing dough)
- Salt and pepper to taste
If you prefer turkey or chicken instead of beef, those substitutions work great here. And if you’re looking for a vegetarian twist, swapping the meat for a hearty mix of sautéed mushrooms and lentils is a delicious option.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish or cast-iron skillet with olive oil.
- In a medium bowl, season the ground beef with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Form into small, evenly sized patties—about 4 to 5 depending on size.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil, and cook the patties for about 3 minutes per side, until browned but not fully cooked through. They will finish cooking in the oven.
- Roll out the pizza dough to fit your pie dish, pressing it into the bottom and slightly up the sides.
- Spread a generous layer of pizza sauce over the dough, then sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Arrange the browned burger patties evenly over the cheese, then add diced bell peppers and pepperoni slices.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese, making sure to cover the patties and toppings well for that perfect cheesy finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the pie set and makes serving easier.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Pizza Burger Pie, recipe, cooking, food
